Journal of the Oughtred Society, V24.1
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47 Slide Rule Scale Listing Conventions David Sweetman Introduction Types of Slide Rules While doing the layout for the Journal, I noticed that article One of the problems with listing scales is the consideration authors provide many different ways of listing scales on of the different types of slide rules. Essentially, there are slide rules. Given that one of the functions of the Editor is three physical construction types, with some variations of to use proper grammar (as is appropriate for a professional each type. For the purposes of this article, the following will journal) and to standardize layout (formatting), both for ease be considered: of reading and consistency, I wondered what to do? After reviewing a previous Journal article1, then asking a number 1. Linear; the scales are nominally 12.5, 25, or 50 cm of frequent contributors, the following is a summary of long. Scales may be: many of the points addressed, identifying possible options, a. On the front of the stock and slide. and then a proposed solution. The reasons for choosing b. On the front and back2 of the stock and slide. among the options for the proposed solution are provided. c. On the front and back of the slide only. In general, the emphasis on layout is for reasons of d. In the “gutter” (well), i.e., on the stock under the standardization, i.e., for the benefit of the reader as well as slide. the Layout Editor. Authors may choose to use their own e. There may be constants or conversion factors or format for submission, but the Editor and Layout Editor formulas on the back of the stock. may revise as appropriate. Oughtred Society members are encouraged to submit their opinions and comments, 2. Circular; the scales are of a variety of lengths, preferably using the Oughtred Society Message Board depending on the diameter of the slide rule. May also (www.oughtred.org) or send to me [email protected]. use the rim or edge. Scales may be: a. On the front or front & back of a single fixed disk with one or more rotating cursors. b. On the front or front & back of a disk with two or more rotating rings and cursors. 48 Journal of the Oughtred Society 3. Cylindrical; the scales are of a variety of lengths, How should notes, comments, or other methods to depending on the length and diameter of the slide rule. identify unique attributes be included? Scales may be: a. For a drum and bar (e.g., Thacher) on both the How are layout concerns to be implemented, e.g., two- drum and bars. There may be scales on multiple columns with left/right justification, 10 TNR (Times surfaces of the bars. New Roman, size 10) font? b. For a two cylinder (e.g., Otis King) on both cylinders. Proposed Requirements Options Given that whatever the final outcome, the solution will be a compromise, meaning that all contributing parties will When considering how to list scales, there are a number of NOT be satisfied with the solution. The following solution options, many with competing solutions. Although the that contains guidelines for authors and requirements for initial concern was with arranging the layout/format, the editors are what the Journal’s Editor thinks will best meet primary concern is the readability and ease of understanding the needs of the membership, as well as those of the editing for the reader. staff: These options, in no particular order, include: 1. Scales should be identified using Oughtred Society standard symbols, as shown in Table 1. Should the Journal adopt the format used in a book? Should the Journal adopt one of the formats used by 2. When listing for a specific slide rule that uses a symbol authors in various Journal articles? If so, which format? that is non-standard or no symbol, the listing should use the standard symbol, with a note identifying what Should the Journal use symbols or words to identify symbol is actually on the slide rule. If comparing two physical, logical, or other interfaces? or more slide rules, the list could use the actual symbol for each slide rule, with a comment noting if there is a What symbols should be used for the scales? Should a standard symbol for the scale. table of standard scale symbols for the Journal be generated? 3. If there is no standard symbol, then the list will include the symbol on the slide rule, with a note defining the What if there is no symbol for a scale or a standard meaning of the symbol. symbol is not used? 4. Scale symbols should be listed in order from top-to- What symbols or other conventions should be used to bottom for linear and outer-to-inner for circular slide identify or segregate the physical surfaces the scales are rules. Cylindrical slide rule scale lists should start with printed on? the most commonly used scale on a drum and bar slide rule or outer-to-inner for two-cylinder slide rules. How should the relationship between scales and boundaries be identified, e.g., based on physical 5. The scales on the front (obverse) of the slide rule should structure of the slide rule, based on logical be listed before those on the back (reverse). Given that (mathematical) interaction of the scales? determining the front or back can be arbitrary, when necessary the author should state why a particular side When listing, how should the scales be separated, e.g., is the front. a symbol, a punctuation mark, a fixed or variable space? 6. The scales on the stock (body, stator) or outer ring or bars should be separated from the scales on the slide or How should scales that are unique to a certain slide rule inner ring or drum. be identified, e.g., special symbols, words? 7. The scales on different adjacent surfaces, e.g., beveled, In what order should scales be listed, e.g., top-to- right-angle edges, should be separated from the other bottom, front-to-back, outer-to-inner? scales on the stock. How are rare scale placements, e.g., in the gutter of a 8. All other scale information, e.g., scales in the gutter linear slide rule, to be listed? (well) of the stock, should be added with comments, preferably as a separate list. Other information, e.g., How should differences between linear, circular, and constants or formulas on the back, may be included cylindrical slide rules be identified? using comments. Volume 24, Number 1, Spring 2015 49 While an attempt has been made to use a consistent 4. For a Pickett Model 9: methodology for linear, circular, and cylindrical slide rules, B24 B/C S d1 d2 d3/P PM there is a degree of variability between the three major A/B C/D L physical forms, as well as variation between manufacturers. This is a special slide rule with unique scales for the Therefore, the guidelines and requirements are not absolute, electricity transmission, so the above format is an but represent guiding principles for the desired intent. example of how to list non-standard scale symbols. Proposed Solution Reasoning The following guidelines would be used for layout The following is the reasoning for each suggested guideline. (formatting) of articles printed in the Journal: While the guidelines were developed primarily to address linear slide rules, the guidelines also apply to circular and 1. The scale symbols should be the same as those in Table cylindrical slide rules. Given that slide charts, whether 1. If not listed in Table 1, use the symbol or notation on linear or circular almost always have specialty scales, the slide rule. whether logarithmic or not, the listing of their scales is not a primary constraint. When members suggest different or 2. The list should start on a new line, i.e., not be embedded changed guidelines, the reasons need to be provided. in a sentence within a paragraph, indented if appropriate. Given that we are using lists, the 1. Different manufacturers in different countries used a introductory words should end with a colon (:). Very variety of symbols for the same function. Table 1 short lists, e.g., when identifying specific scales for attempts to list the most commonly accepted symbols reference, may be included in the text. for a given scale. Not all symbols or scales are listed, because for some scale names or symbols, there is just 3. The list should start from the top of the front side, e.g., too much variation or too many different a linear slide rule or the outer ring of a circular slide interpretations. These unusual scales should be rule. Drum & bar cylindrical slide rules will probably identified with the symbol printed on the slide rule, start at some arbitrary point on the external ribs, then with an accompanying note. If there is no symbol on list on the drum. Two-cylinder slide rules start with the the slide rule, the symbol that matches the scale outer cylinder. function should be used; otherwise use a generic symbol, e.g., §, with a notation that the meaning of the 4. A / separates the adjacent surfaces that can move symbol § is the description of the scale. relative to each other, e.g., stock and slide, inner and outer ring. There is no space on either side of the / 2. Starting the list on a new line is proper grammar symbol. (including punctuation) for a long list, as well as visually segregating the symbols (and their context) 5. A // separates scale(s) on a different adjacent surface, from the wording.